Comments on: Contacts: How to Get ‘Em Cheap and Wear ‘Em Right

By: Bernard Clyde

Bernard Clyde — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 18:03:22 +0000

It’s true that contacts can be much more convenient for certain things, especially sports, like you mentioned. It’s important to consider how contacts could specifically help you complete certain tasks more effectively. This can be important if you have a physical job that could risk damaging your glasses but won’t affect your contacts.

By: Kandice

Kandice — Thu, 12 May 2016 03:36:22 +0000

Chandra M! YES! I agree with everything!

I agree with some of the points in the post, but also wanted to add a few things:

First: PLEASE don’t give people the idea that they can stretch their lenses (ahem, 59%-ers!) if they just clean them better than normal. This is poor medical advice and I would not recommend it if I were you. Build up is not the only thing those parameters are there for. If you’ve ever seen a corneal ulcer from over wearing contacts, you’d never stretch them again! Not pretty and can cause permanent vision loss – yikes!

And while a Walmart-esque optometrist may be cheaper, make sure you do your research on that specific doctor. I’m also in the eye care field and have seen a number of patients who come in wearing poorly fitting lenses in old technology – some of whom have been told to wear a 2 week lens for a month, which is NOT FDA approved. This can cause corneal warpage and sometimes induce false astigmatism, making your contacts more expensive!

And for the love of donuts, please don’t get your glasses online if you can at all help it. If you MUST, please discuss it with an eye care professional first. Your prescription may require certain measurements or a specific size frame that can significantly change the way you see out of your glasses. I’d hate for someone to have an accident because their field of vision was decreased for a few saved bucks. Most practices will have some sort of “budget” line behind the counter or something if you ask for it. 🙂

I agree that there are ways to cut costs here and there. Some patients get daily disposable lenses so they can wear them part time or just for special occasions or sports, then wear glasses the other times. Either way, discuss this with your doctor if your current lenses are too expensive. However, the bottom line is that if you can’t afford to wear contact lenses correctly, as prescribed, you should not wear them at all.

Ok, that’s my soap box. Thanks! 🙂

By: Meagan

Meagan — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 21:13:02 +0000

For someone who is looking to switch from glasses to contacts, this has so much amazing information! I live a very active lifestyle and sometimes it is hard to live like that with glasses. I really love the tips on how to save with contacts. I heard they can be expensive but with these tips, I am okay with investing into them. I think I am ready to switch after reading this article.

By: Chandra M.

Chandra M. — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 06:40:51 +0000

Being a opthalmic professional I can really say, There is actually a pretty big difference between name brand and generic solutions. Generic solutions are old “recipes” that the companies sell off when they come out with a new solution. The new solutions are made for the new materials in which contacts are being made out of. It just makes sense, the doctors get no kickback on what solution you wear, they only recommend what works. It’s like using a flip phone, and saying that it’s the same as an iPhone 6. There is also no pressure to buy contacts from the optometrist, but there are benefits. Most optometrist are small business owners as well, you’re supporting local businesses, as well as building a relationship. Often times, when year-supplies (4 boxes) are purchased there are freebies thrown in like free solution and a “in office warranty”. Where if you loose or tear a lens, the office will replace it at no cost. They will often supply you with a few additional pairs when your due for an annual, again at no charge. At the end of the day, like you said, contacts are medical devices, and they require a medical visit to obtain them, cheap and medical care aren’t ever words that should be close to each other. Remember you get what you pay for.

By: Kylee

Kylee — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 21:28:51 +0000

I have actually found a HUGE difference between generic contact solution and name brand solution. I only recently started wearing contacts (in the past 6 months) and was shocked by their cost (especially without vision insurance), so I tried to save a little by buying Target brand contact solution. I started off using a name brand bottle my eye doctor had given me with my tester contacts, and I switched solution without even thinking about it, but I started having a hard time wearing my contacts. My eyes would dry out, they’d get irritated, they’d be itchy – you name it. I couldn’t figure out what the issue was until one day I wore my spare set (which were in the name brand solution) and had no issues. I have to say, one thing worth splurging on is name brand solution. It’s worth the few extra dollars, you can often get it on sale, and I see lots of coupons for it! Your eyes will thank you for it!

By: Jamie Wrimer

Jamie Wrimer — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 01:43:46 +0000

My son recently found out he needs glasses. When he got them, they started to interfere with a lot of his daily activities, so he is looking for another solution. I really like what this article mentions about being able to wear sunglasses along with contacts. I will definitely be referring him to this article so he can learn more about contacts. Thanks for sharing!

By: Katelyn Fagan

Katelyn Fagan — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 02:25:14 +0000

In reply to Sandy Tull. Ha ha ha. Thanks for the laugh back! I don't feel like that young of a wife anymore as we'll be celebrating our 7 year anniversary this month! Thanks for commenting Sandy!

By: Sandy Tull

Sandy Tull — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 23:21:41 +0000

Nothing says young Mormon wife like “contact lenses are great for making out!” Hahaha. I bet every optician in Provo (and myself) can’t help but agree! I feel like contact lenses weren’t for me, so I have to resort to removing the glasses everytime I lie down, cuddling up during a movie, or… other activities 🙂 Love the blog Katelyn!